Retired Mellon Institute Engineer Passes Away

February 1, 2008

On January 27, 2008, Gerhard “Gary” Ludwig passed away at the age of 88. Gary retired from Carnegie Mellon University in November 2003 after calling the Mellon Institute home for the previous 44 years. As Instrumentation Specialist, he oversaw a magical place within the building, the Instruments Storeroom, which houses research tools from the past and present. Gary not only repaired these tools, but also invented new instruments utilizing his skills in electrical and mechanical engineering. Some of the instruments he invented include a special camera to photograph the eye and a prototype of a heart valve. His contributions to the Mellon College of Science (MCS) were immeasurable. He was an MCS Service Award winner and influenced many within the university.

Gerhard “Gary” Ludwig also led a full life prior to his time at Carnegie Mellon. In the 1940s, his home country of Germany drafted him to serve in World War II. During his time in the service, he became a prisoner of war in a Russian camp. His captors quickly realized his skills and put him to work repairing timepieces. After the war, Gary resumed his collegiate studies in machining and mechanics and graduated in 1949. He came to the U.S. in 1954 when he was recruited to repair German-made sight rifles.

A memorial service will be held at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Crafton at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 2, 2008. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a charity of one’s choice.